Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Legal Group Prepares to Battle Fairness Doctrine

[The Christian Post] 17 Feb 2009--The American Center for Law and Justice, a legal group which specializes in constitutional law, said Monday it is preparing a litigation strategy to combat the Fairness Doctrine should it return.

For months, Christian ministries and groups have been on guard against renewed legislative efforts to reinstate a former federal communications rule that required broadcasters to provide opportunity for opposing views on controversial issues.

The groups have also expressed concern that the incoming chairman of the Federal Communications Commission could help reimpose the doctrine, without any congressional or executive order since the FCC is an independent regulatory agency.

"Putting the federal government in control of dictating the content of what’s aired would effectively muzzle Christian broadcasters and is an unconstitutional attempt to stifle free speech," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of ACLJ, which litigates to defend religious freedom.

"Whether Congress moves to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, or if the FCC acts to do so on its own behalf, we will be ready to challenge this in federal court."